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If you’re thinking about buying your first home in Oxford, the cost of property is likely to be one of your biggest considerations.
Using figures published by Rightmove as of 2nd July 2025, we’ve highlighted some of the more affordable places to live in and around Oxford.
Alongside average house prices, this guide also looks at what first-time buyers are actually paying in today’s market.
Whether you’re still building your deposit or already exploring mortgage options, this breakdown shows where your money might stretch further.
1 – Banbury
Avg. House Price:
£301,004
Minimum Estimated Deposit:
£15,050
Property Prices in Banbury
The average property price in Banbury is currently around £301,004, making it one of the more affordable parts of the wider Oxford area.
Banbury sits in the north of Oxfordshire and benefits from direct road and rail connections to both Oxford and London.
These links help support demand, though property prices typically remain lower than those found closer to Oxford itself.
What Will a Deposit Look Like?
If you’re looking at a home priced at £301,004, a 5% deposit would come to approximately £15,050. A 10% deposit would be around £30,100, and a 15% deposit would sit at roughly £45,150.
These figures are only rough estimates. Your actual deposit requirement could vary depending on the lender, your credit history, income, and the specific property you’re looking to buy.
Using a mortgage calculator can help you get a clearer idea of how much you might be able to borrow and what deposit range is realistic for you.
Types of Homes You’ll Find
Banbury has a broad mix of property types, including traditional Victorian terraces, post-war semis, and a growing number of new build homes.
Older properties tend to offer more space for the price but may come with maintenance needs that could affect your borrowing options, depending on the condition of the home.
Some homes in the town centre have been converted into flats, which can offer good value but may come with leasehold restrictions that impact mortgage suitability.
On the outskirts of town, newer housing estates have expanded in recent years. These typically include a mix of two- and three-bedroom houses, often marketed toward first-time buyers and families.
While these properties may carry a slightly higher asking price, they often benefit from more straightforward lending conditions.
Thinking About Buying in Banbury?
If you’re considering Banbury as a potential location for your first home, our mortgage advisors in Oxford can help you understand what sort of deposit you might need, how your income affects your borrowing range, and what mortgage options are available based on the type of property you’re looking at.
2 – Blackbird Leys
Avg. House Price:
£322,660
Minimum Estimated Deposit:
£16,133
Property Prices in Blackbird Leys
The average property price in Blackbird Leys is currently around £322,660.
While prices here have risen in recent years, the area still offers some of the more affordable housing options within Oxford’s city boundary.
Located on the southeastern edge of Oxford, Blackbird Leys has seen increased development and regeneration in recent years.
While this has helped drive steady demand, prices remain lower than in many other parts of the city.
What Will a Deposit Look Like?
If you’re looking at a home priced at £322,660, a 5% deposit would be approximately £16,133. A 10% deposit would come to around £32,266, and a 15% deposit would be roughly £48,399.
These figures are only intended as a guide. Actual deposit requirements can vary depending on your income, credit history, and the lender’s assessment of the property.
Using a mortgage calculator is a good starting point for working out what you might be able to borrow.
Types of Homes You’ll Find
Blackbird Leys is known for its mix of ex-local authority housing, terraced homes, and more recent developments aimed at first-time buyers.
Many of the properties are generously sized and offer better value per square foot compared to other areas of Oxford.
That said, some homes may be subject to lending restrictions depending on their construction type, lease terms, or renovation history, so it’s worth getting early advice if you’re unsure.
Recent investment in housing and local infrastructure has introduced more modern homes into the area, often with improved energy efficiency and more straightforward mortgage eligibility.
These can come at a slightly higher cost but may suit buyers looking for a lower-maintenance option.
Thinking About Buying in Blackbird Leys?
If you’re looking at Blackbird Leys as a way to get onto the property ladder, our mortgage advisors in Oxford can help you work out how much deposit you might need and which lenders are most likely to support the type of home you’re interested in.
3 – Didcot
Avg. House Price:
£352,601
Minimum Estimated Deposit:
£17,630
Property Prices in Didcot
The average property price in Didcot is currently around £352,601. This places it above some other areas in Oxfordshire, though still within reach for buyers with a stronger deposit or borrowing capacity.
Didcot has seen rapid growth in recent years, with large-scale housing developments continuing to shape the local market.
While demand has remained strong, pricing is still more manageable than in parts of central Oxford.
What Will a Deposit Look Like?
If you’re looking at a home priced at £352,601, a 5% deposit would come to approximately £17,630. A 10% deposit would be around £35,260, and a 15% deposit would total roughly £52,890.
These figures are for illustrative purposes only. Your actual deposit may vary depending on the mortgage product you’re applying for, your credit history, income, and the lender’s criteria.
A mortgage calculator can give you a more accurate picture of what’s realistic for your situation.
Types of Homes You’ll Find
Didcot has a wide range of housing, with much of the town made up of post-war semis, modern terraced houses, and large-scale new build developments.
The more established parts of town often include older properties that may offer more space for the price, though some may come with maintenance needs or construction types that impact lender availability.
Great Western Park and other newer developments offer more modern homes that typically meet most mainstream lending criteria.
While these properties can come with a higher asking price, they’re often attractive to first-time buyers due to their energy efficiency and lower upkeep costs.
Buyers should also be aware that new build homes may require a larger deposit or come with different affordability thresholds depending on the developer pricing.
Thinking About Buying in Didcot?
If Didcot is on your radar as a place to buy your first home, our mortgage advisors in Oxford can help you work out what deposit you might need and which mortgage options are most suitable for the type of property you’re considering.
4 – Bicester
Avg. House Price:
£359,729
Minimum Estimated Deposit:
£17,986
Property Prices in Bicester
The average property price in Bicester is currently around £359,729.
This places it near the higher end of Oxfordshire’s more affordable areas, but prices remain lower than in central Oxford, especially for modern family homes.
Newer developments like Kingsmere and Elmsbrook have added a large number of homes to the local market in recent years.
This has increased the range of available property types and helped to moderate price growth compared to more central locations.
What Will a Deposit Look Like?
If you’re looking at a home priced at £359,729, a 5% deposit would be approximately £17,986. A 10% deposit would come to around £35,973, and a 15% deposit would be roughly £53,960.
These are guide figures only. Lender requirements can differ depending on your income, credit profile and the type of property you’re buying.
Mortgage calculators are a useful starting point to get a clearer picture of how much you could borrow and what level of deposit may apply.
Types of Homes You’ll Find
Bicester offers a wide mix of homes, including modern new builds, post-war semis, and traditional terraces.
Many first-time buyers are drawn to developments like Kingsmere, which features two and three-bedroom houses built to modern standards and generally well suited to mainstream lending criteria.
Elmsbrook, part of the North West Bicester eco-town project, includes energy-efficient properties that may offer long-term savings on running costs.
While these homes can come with a slightly higher price tag, they often appeal to buyers looking for low-maintenance living and strong energy performance.
In the more established areas of Bicester, older homes may offer more internal space but could require updating or come with construction types that need to be checked against lender requirements.
Thinking About Buying in Bicester?
If you’re looking at Bicester as a potential place to buy your first home, our mortgage advisors in Oxford can help you understand what deposit you’ll need, how your income affects your borrowing range, and which types of properties may work best with your mortgage options.
5 – Witney
Avg. House Price:
£365,814
Minimum Estimated Deposit:
£18,291
Property Prices in Witney
The average property price in Witney is currently around £365,814.
While this places it above many of the other more affordable areas near Oxford, it can still offer value for buyers looking outside the city in search of more space or newer homes.
Pricing here has remained relatively consistent, with a steady supply of housing across different property types helping to prevent the sharper rises seen in some nearby locations.
What Will a Deposit Look Like?
If you’re looking at a home priced at £365,814, a 5% deposit would be approximately £18,291. A 10% deposit would come to around £36,581, and a 15% deposit would be roughly £54,872.
These figures are only intended as examples. The actual deposit required can vary depending on your financial circumstances, the lender’s policies, and the type of property you’re buying.
Using a mortgage calculator can help you work out a more accurate borrowing range.
Types of Homes You’ll Find
Witney’s housing market includes a mix of traditional stone-built cottages, mid-century semis, and a large number of modern developments built over the past two decades.
Many of the newer properties, particularly those on the edge of town, are built to current lending standards and often appeal to first-time buyers.
These homes tend to come with more predictable maintenance and can be easier to finance compared to some older or less conventional builds.
In the town centre and surrounding older streets, buyers may find period homes or converted properties that offer more character.
Some of these may require closer scrutiny during the mortgage process, especially if renovation work is needed or if lease terms apply in the case of flats.
Thinking About Buying in Witney?
If you’re considering a move to Witney, our mortgage advisors in Oxford can help you understand what deposit you might need and how your mortgage options could vary depending on the type of property you’re looking at.
6 – Littlemore
Avg. House Price:
£368,284
Minimum Estimated Deposit:
£18,414
Property Prices in Littlemore
The average property price in Littlemore is currently around £368,284.
Although it sits slightly above some of the surrounding areas, it remains one of the more accessible parts of Oxford for buyers looking within the city limits.
Prices here have held steady in recent years, with a consistent supply of homes across a mix of property types helping to support affordability.
What Will a Deposit Look Like?
If you’re looking at a home priced at £368,284, a 5% deposit would be approximately £18,414. A 10% deposit would come to around £36,828, and a 15% deposit would be roughly £55,243.
These figures are for guidance only. The amount you need may vary depending on the mortgage product, your income and credit history, and the specific property you plan to buy.
A mortgage calculator is a useful way to get a better sense of your borrowing potential and deposit requirements.
Types of Homes You’ll Find
Littlemore includes a mix of 20th-century family homes, ex-local authority properties, and smaller new build developments.
This variety means buyers can often find options that suit different budgets, though property condition and construction type can vary.
Some homes, particularly those built in the mid-to-late 20th century, may require additional checks to confirm mortgage suitability.
Flats and maisonettes are common in parts of the area and may come with leasehold considerations or service charges that could affect your mortgage options.
Newer homes on the outskirts of Littlemore are typically more straightforward from a lending perspective, though they may be priced slightly higher than older stock.
Thinking About Buying in Littlemore?
If you’re looking at Littlemore as a possible location for your first home, our mortgage advisors in Oxford can help you work out what kind of deposit you’ll need and how different property types may affect your mortgage options.
7 – Abingdon
Avg. House Price:
£385,588
Avg. First-Time Buyer Paid:
£19,279
Property Prices in Abingdon
The average property price in Abingdon is currently around £385,588. This places it above other more affordable areas near Oxford, though prices remain lower than many parts of the city itself.
The market here tends to be steady, supported by a broad mix of properties that range from older homes in central streets to more modern housing on the town’s outskirts.
What Will a Deposit Look Like?
If you’re looking at a home priced at £385,588, a 5% deposit would be approximately £19,279. A 10% deposit would come to around £38,559, and a 15% deposit would be roughly £57,838.
These are only example figures. Actual deposit requirements may vary depending on your credit history, income, and the type of mortgage you’re applying for.
Mortgage calculators are a useful way to get an early idea of how much you might be able to borrow based on your circumstances.
Types of Homes You’ll Find
Abingdon offers a mix of period properties, post-war semis, and newer developments.
In the older parts of town, buyers may find traditional terraced homes or converted buildings, which can vary in condition and may require additional checks during the mortgage process.
Newer housing, particularly in areas like Peachcroft and along the town’s northern edge, is generally built to modern lending standards.
These homes may come with higher asking prices but are often preferred by lenders due to their construction and energy efficiency.
Flats and maisonettes are also available, particularly closer to the centre, and may offer better value for first-time buyers.
Leasehold terms and service charges should be reviewed early, as they can affect both eligibility and long-term affordability.
Thinking About Buying in Abingdon?
If you’re considering Abingdon as the place to buy your first home, our mortgage advisors in Oxford can help you understand what kind of deposit you might need and which mortgage options are likely to suit the type of property you’re looking at.
Looking Beyond the Averages
When you’re thinking about buying a home, affordability isn’t just about local house prices.
What you’re able to borrow will depend on a range of personal factors, including your income, deposit amount, credit history, and the type of property you’re buying.
The numbers you see online are a helpful starting point, but they don’t always reflect what’s achievable in practice.
Some lenders may be more flexible in certain areas, while others could limit options based on things like lease length, property condition, or construction type.
Even in the more affordable parts of Oxford, it’s important to think about long-term costs.
That includes not just your mortgage repayments, but also running costs and how changes to your income might affect things over time.
If you need help working out what’s realistic for your situation, our mortgage advisors in Oxford can guide you through the figures, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence.
